For Nadine, Sanofi's Cluster Head of Immunology Research, this unyielding spirit was forged not just in the lab, but on the dojo mat, earning her a black belt in karate as a teenager. It's a surprising detail that offers a unique lens into the mind of a scientist dedicated to developing drugs against autoimmune diseases.
Nadine describes her work as starting with a deep understanding of the patient, seeking to comprehend why individuals respond or don't respond to therapy, as she manages a portfolio of projects from initial concept to clinical trials.
Turning Childhood Curiosity into a Scientific Calling
Her journey into science wasn't a singular, childhood epiphany, but a series of evolving curiosities. She recalls youthful ambitions of being a doctor, a judge, or even flying army planes. Yet, the core motivation remained constant: a profound desire to impact people's lives.
Her professional drive, she explains, is deeply rooted in her martial arts background. She learned invaluable lessons from failures and self-development during that time. When a body-related injury forced her to abandon her dream of a professional karate career, she made a "hard cut." "I used all the passion I had for that dream and dialed down into becoming a scientist," she explains. This powerful redirection of energy, this ability to adapt and pivot when a dream is "stopped," mirrors the very challenges faced by the patients she strives to help. She observes that it's harder, but essential, to "keep dreaming even if the dream has to change," drawing a poignant parallel.
This resilience is crucial in a field where "research is really hard. So 99% of things fail." The "small dream" that keeps her and her team motivated is the thrill of a breakthrough, "when someone cracked it and you know you really made a big change."
Nadine's personal life, she notes, serves as a vital source of "relaxation" and energy. Her husband, a detective, offers a fascinating counterpoint to her scientific world. They often discuss leadership and strategies, highlighting the "puzzle solving" common to both their professions. This balance, she believes, is essential: "you always need to have a stable situation in one of your worlds, to keep you thriving."
"Keep dreaming even if the dream has to change."
Nadine
Chasing the Ultimate Dream: Patient Impact
Her biggest professional dream? To see a drug she's worked on, "really make it to an approved medical end." It's a rare feat, given the odds, but she considers it to be the ultimate accomplishment and the dream she continues to chase, backed by significant freedom to pursue her own research areas.
Her daily reality involves navigating constant "surprises, in the majority of cases, bad surprises," requiring her to be "very agile" and "creative." Yet, it's this very challenge that "kind of keeps me inspired." Her ultimate dream at Sanofi is both concise and powerful: "I always wanted to have an impact on the lives of people, and Sanofi enables me to do so." It's a mission that transcends science, rooted in a deep-seated desire to help others, a drive as unyielding as the spirit of a black belt.
Every person's experience is unique and individual experiences may vary. Remember, your healthcare provider is the best source of health-related information and be sure to ask them any questions you may have.
